Kanazawa Chaya

The futon was uncomfortable compared with other ryokans I've stayed at. It folded, with a big gap down the middle. My friend and I had booked similar rooms at similar prices, but our meal plan was lower. The front desk conversation about it wasn't very satisfying, though the staff did their best. The place felt mediocre to me, which surprised me given the good reviews. The rooms looked like they hadn't been renovated in 30 years, and our view was an ugly parking lot. The public bath was tiny and looked much the same.

The food ended up being the best part of our three-night family stay in August. I had worried that a half-board ryokan would serve the same meals each day, but every breakfast and dinner was different. The traditional Kaiseki dinners were very well done, with varied, flavorful ingredients and lovely presentation. Even the bowls and plates seemed chosen for each dish. You could tell the chef and kitchen team put a lot of heart into it, and our dinner attendant served everything with impressive precision and elegance. My mother, in her seventies, needed a rollaway bed instead of a tatami futon. It was ready by the time we got back from lunch, no problem at all. The staff were friendly, attentive, and meticulous in their care. Our rooms were clean and spacious. This is a traditional ryokan, so don't expect lots of gadgets or high-tech features, though we did have remote-control lighting, quiet and efficient AC, and speedy wifi without hiccups. We had a wonderful stay, and I highly recommend it.

Caiori made breakfast and dinner especially memorable for us. She was warm, patient, and attentive, remembering that our 3½-year-old granddaughter likes cold towels, wants water with her meals, and can be particular about food. The chef prepared beautiful custom dishes for her with as much care as the adult meals. They also provided two adorable kimonos for her and lovely ones for my daughter and me. I came with my daughter and granddaughter, and the welcome from the Chaya Ryokan team felt like being cared for by family. From our arrival to the goodbye, everyone showed such warmth, pride, and devotion. Every meal was beautifully balanced and presented, and the in-house chef's attention to flavor was extraordinary. The ryokan is only a short five-minute walk from Kanazawa Station, with shopping, dining, and the city's main attractions easy to reach. It was peaceful and traditional when we came back each evening. This was one of the most heartfelt stays of our trip. If you're visiting Kanazawa, I wholeheartedly recommend Chaya Ryokan. It was a warm experience we'll remember.

The meals were incredible, and Executive Chef Noriyuki Genda and the team were extraordinary. During my three nights at Kanazawa Chaya Ryokan, I felt more welcomed than I have in very few places. The staff were exceptional, and the rooms and facilities were immaculate and well cared for. I won't soon forget the stay. It was a pleasure to be a guest here, thank you!